Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsYou can learn the basic GitHub workflow in your browser without knowing how to code, using a terminal, or installing Git. Start with a repository, make a branch, edit a file, save the change as a commit, then open and merge a pull request. GitHub’s Hello World tutorial walks through those steps.
What is GitHub?
Git is version-control software: it records changes to files over time. GitHub is a platform built around Git where you can host projects and collaborate with others. As GitHub Docs explains, GitHub lets you save Git projects to the cloud and work on them with other developers.
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These four terms describe the basic workflow:
- Repository: A project and its tracked history.
- Branch: A separate line of work, where you can make changes without immediately changing the primary version.
- Commit: A saved snapshot of changes, recorded in the project history.
- Pull request: A proposal to review and merge changes from one branch into another. It also provides a place to discuss the work.
How do you use GitHub for the first time?
Follow this small practice project in GitHub’s browser interface. You do not need a local Git installation or command-line tools.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →- Create a repository. Sign in to GitHub and create a new repository with a descriptive name. Choose public visibility if you want others to see the project, or private visibility if it should be restricted. Add a README: it is a file where you can explain what the project is and how to use it.
- Create a branch. Create a branch for your change. The primary branch is commonly named
main. Working on a separate branch keeps your change apart from the primary version until you merge it. - Edit a file. Make a small change in the repository, such as adding a sentence to the README. For this introductory exercise, use GitHub’s browser editing tools.
- Commit the change. Save your edit as a commit with a short message that says what changed, such as
Add project description. The commit becomes part of the project history. - Open a pull request. Propose merging your branch into the primary branch. Check the change shown in the pull request and use its discussion to note anything relevant.
- Review and merge. For a personal practice project, you can review and merge your own pull request. In a shared project, another contributor may review it first. Once merged, the change is included in the target branch.
Do you need to know Git or use the command line?
No. GitHub’s Hello World tutorial says, “You don’t need to know how to code, use the command line, or install Git” to complete its exercise. The browser workflow is enough to learn what repositories, branches, commits, and pull requests do.
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The command line is useful later for advanced or less common operations, but it is not a prerequisite. GitHub’s Getting started with Git tutorial introduces GitHub Desktop for common tasks before covering command-line tools such as GitHub CLI.
Should you use GitHub in a browser or GitHub Desktop?
Both are valid starting points. Use the browser tutorial when you want to understand GitHub’s basic collaboration flow with the least setup. Choose GitHub Desktop when you want to work with files stored on your computer and prefer a graphical view of common Git operations.
| Approach | Setup and workflow | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub in a browser | No Git installation or command line is needed for the Hello World exercise. | Learning the core workflow with minimal setup. |
| GitHub Desktop | Create or clone a repository, edit files in an editor, then commit and publish changes through the app. | Working with local files and seeing common Git operations in a graphical interface. |
GitHub documents Desktop as free and open source for Windows and macOS. Check its current documentation for platform details before installing, since support can change.
Should your repository be public or private?
Choose public when you intend the project to be visible to others; choose private when you do not. Make that decision when creating the repository, based on who should be able to see the project. A README can help visitors understand a public project, but avoid putting sensitive information in files you share.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What should you learn after the first project?
Repeat the workflow with a real project: make a focused branch, describe each change clearly in its commit message, and use the pull request to review what will be merged. If you want a graphical workflow for local work, try GitHub Desktop. When you need more control or encounter tasks the interface does not cover, move on to the command line and GitHub CLI through GitHub’s Git getting-started guide.
For deeper Git concepts, GitHub’s learning resources list Pro Git, written by Scott Chacon and Ben Straub and published by Apress. It is optional reading, not a requirement for completing the beginner workflow.
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